It’s days like these that make me long for the life of a traveler. It’s not that there is anything wrong with today, it’s just that about once a week I get “travel-sick,” which I guess is the opposite of “home-sick,” or maybe it’s similar. I’m not quite sure. But, I am sure that I long for that life of a constant traveler; someone who leaves home, normal life, and doesn’t look back.
In every day life, there are bills to pay, chores to do, papers to grade, workouts, meetings, responsibilities, and a million other activities throughout the week. In the life of a traveler, there are other complications, but while you are immersed in new surroundings, it’s suddenly different. Perspectives change. Life is so different without normal routines and mundane activities. It’s like being reborn.
I know, I get it, travel doesn’t solve all problems, but to me it solves most of them. And, right now, I could use an escape.
It’s not that I am having problems, actually life is going quite well. It’s just that after a few weeks of routine, I need that escape again. I need that feeling of wind in my hair and sand in my toes. The feeling of being completely lost, or that pit in my stomach when I’m all of a sudden so far from my comfort zone. I need the excitement of making new friends and putting my trust in strangers. And, these are things everyday life fails to provide. Maybe, that’s why we travel.
But, honestly, it’s the escapes and travels that have changed my life. Not only have they changed my life, but they’ve made it better. Travel has filled me with richness. It’s filled me with stories of faraway people and places. It’s broadened my horizons in a way that nothing else could. I no longer am content with reading about places or looking at pictures, I must explore them first-hand. Because life is often better on the road.
When you are traveling, Carpe Diem actually means something. You wake up each day ready to conquer the world, ready to learn something new. You take risks and chances. You live every day as if it’s your last. You try new things and immerse yourself in the world and different cultures. You live life the way it is meant to be lived.
So really, is it all that bad to want to escape?
The World Wanderer 
So funny…I feel the same …maybe a weekend in London?
Couldn’t agree more. It’s interesting to try and workout what it is that makes travelling so special. It’s as if there’s something deep inside that gives most of us the greatest joy when we travel. I think that it’s not just about freedom but something deeper. A part of life is actually about seeing how vast and diverse our planet is and to appreciate it’s beauty. Travelling fits in well with this quote ‘it’s not the number of breaths we take but the moments that take our breath away.’
Thanks! I love that quote, too!
I’m a teacher myself in London. I’ve been mulling over longer term travel for a while now. In 2013 I plan to visit South America for between 8 – 12 Months (If I’m going to leave my job, I guess I may as well go all out)
Anyhow, on your theme of escape. I know the feeling, the familiarity of routine and how its so contrasted with the feeling of travel. Since graduating a few years back, I’ve used my time off to head all over the World – I’ve met some amazing people, as well as had some amazing experiences.
Perhaps your feeling of the need to escape is indicative of your future path? If you look at it, we both have a vocation which can be transferred anywhere on the planet.